Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors 10-17-18 Picks and Prediction

Pick, Prediction, & Preview:

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors

The Raptors will welcome the Cavs to Air Canada Centre for their season opener, these two teams met in the Eastern Conference Semis where the Cavs were able to sweep the Raptors. However, there have been plenty of changes for these two teams with LeBron leaving to the Lakers and the Raptors trading away Demar for Kawhi. Game tips off at 7:30 PM ET.

Cleveland Cavaliers's Latest Performance :

The post LeBron era begins for the Cavs they still have a dominant power forward in Kevin Love who has just signed an extension this offseason. Kevin Love will have to go back to his Timberwolves days and put this Cavs team on his back. The Cavs drafted Collin Sexton from Alabama and he has given the key to the franchise. J.R. Smith and Rodney Hood slide over and play the three because Osman is the only small forward listed on the team. Clarkson will have to revive his career after a horrible showing in the postseason last year. The Cavs offense is going to be bad, but the defense that was bad last year will be even worse. From what I see on paper this Cavs team is definitely going to be a lottery team this season. They will have a tough time playing against the Raptors in the season opener on the road.

Player to watch: Kevin Love, he is a proven winner he got his ring with the Cavs now he is at the stage of his career where he will have to take on a mentorship role and show the rope to Sexton. Mentorship is needed in the rebuilding phase every team has to go through it, it is just the Cavs turn to experience it after four straight finals appearances.

Toronto Raptors's Latest Performance :

The Raptors have gotten better with their acquisition of Kawhi Leonard. The Raptors will be glad that LeBron is no longer in the east and they feel like this could be the year that they represent the Eastern Conference with Leonard leading the way. He is only 27 years old currently in his prime, it will be very interesting to see how he fits into the new system. He’s an easy top-5 talent when healthy, and will need to prove that he can stay on the court. He gives Toronto a great defensive presence, but a different dynamic offensively. He felt no pain while playing in the preseason that means we should see him playing against the Cavs in the season opener. Kyle Lowry point production is expected to go up playing alongside Leonard. They have already shown great chemistry in the preseason. Serge Ibaka and Jonas Valanciunas makeup the frontcourt, Valanciunas will have to play well this season if the Raptors want to take it to the next level.

Player to watch: Kawhi Leonard, it will be the first time we will be able to see Kawhi playing 35-40 mins injury free. He allows the defense to react and acts accordingly he has it all from the midrange, three-ball and slashing abilities. He will be a handful for the Cavs defense on opening night.

How Cleveland Cavaliers & Toronto Raptors Matchup.

Vegas Odds, Offshore Odds, & Odds ATS:

Raptors are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

Cavaliers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.

Against The Spread Selection: Toronto Raptors

My reason for the pick :

The new look Raptors should breeze past the Cavs in their season opener, the Raptors shouldn’t have a problem scoring against the Cavs. The Cavs will have a tough time guarding Leonard. He will get to his spots on the floor with ease. The first game after the LeBron era will remind us how valuable he was on the team. The Raptors will look to take advantage as they will begin their Eastern Conference defense with a win at home.

Betting trends for Cleveland Cavaliers:

Cavaliers are 17-37-1 ATS in their last 55 games following a double-digit loss at home.

Betting trends for Toronto Raptors:

Raptors are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.

Pete Brander

Hi, my name is Pete Brander, Living in Thailand, Ball is life!
I give sharp analysis on games, my style of writing is pretty straightforward simple and easy to read aim is to get clients the most wins and of course more cash.